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I'm using a shopvac for my dust collection system. The filter keeps getting really clogged up. I can't go buy a dust collector immediately so is there any way to make my current system better or is this why they make those big collection machines?

wingman2010 wrote:I'm using a shopvac for my dust collection system. The filter keeps getting really clogged up. I can't go buy a dust collector immediately so is there any way to make my current system better or is this why they make those big collection machines?

A separator will collect the larger chips/sawdust before they get to the filter and will allow more running time before the filter clogs.

Google "Dust Deputy" to see a commercially available cylonic one (I've got one and it works) but you can also make a homemade one. Just get a sturdy trash barrel with a tight fitting lid. Cut two holes in the lid the diameter of your shopvac hoses (you will need two hoses). Connect one hose from Vac to lid and another hose from lid to the tool you are collecting dust from (or wand, if you are vacuuming the floor). Heavy chips and larger dust will drop into the separator.

Best,

Al

Also, you might want to take a look around for a "sock" to place over the shopvac filter which will allow you to clean the filter quickly. Look for something that works with ash or drywall dust. Even with a two-stage system, the fine dust makes its way to the filter.

pennview wrote:Also, you might want to take a look around for a "sock" to place over the shopvac filter which will allow you to clean the filter quickly. Look for something that works with ash or drywall dust. Even with a two-stage system, the fine dust makes its way to the filter.

The 'fine' dust makes it though the filter!!!!:(


P.S. Are you using the slip over cloth. bag filter? The foam(wet) filter will get plugged up with dust. The dust can be shaken off the cloth filters. A cutoff paper filter bag for a 'normal' vacuum cleaner will also work if you can get it secured over the cage.

You can buy bags or socks to fit over your pleated filter that will making cleaning the filter much simpler because the dust doesn't get packed between the pleats. For really fine dust -- cold ash, drywall dust, cement dust, etc. -- try a filter with "Gore" attached to the description. They aren't cheap, but good stuff rarely is.

I bought a slip on cover for the filter. It's much easier to clean now but it still "sucks". Ha ha. The trashcan was a really interesting idea.

For the future, are dust collectors worth the investment? There's a shopsmith one on craigslist for about 150.

Do they only catch the big stuff? Do you still need a vacuum to make the dust collector work or does it have a built in vacuum?

wingman2010 wrote:I bought a slip on cover for the filter. It's much easier to clean now but it still "sucks". Ha ha. The trashcan was a really interesting idea.

For the future, are dust collectors worth the investment? There's a shopsmith one on craigslist for about 150.

Do they only catch the big stuff? Do you still need a vacuum to make the dust collector work or does it have a built in vacuum?

Consider its name! The 'big stuff' merely goes along for the ride.

A DC creates air flow as opposed to a vacuum creating 'suction'.

wingman2010 wrote:I bought a slip on cover for the filter. It's much easier to clean now but it still "sucks". Ha ha. The trashcan was a really interesting idea.

For the future, are dust collectors worth the investment? There's a shopsmith one on craigslist for about 150.

Do they only catch the big stuff? Do you still need a vacuum to make the dust collector work or does it have a built in vacuum?

Quit the opposite. The dust collector is designed for the light stuff and is not intended at all for the heavier pieces. In fact, a heavy piece that gets sucked into the fan blades can do damage. Your trash can approach would greatly reduce that potential.

There is good reason to have both a dust collector and a shopvac available. First of all, the shopvac is typically easier to drag all over while the dust collector is not so convenient.

I tend to use the dust collector on the Mark V and any sanding station. I use the shopvac for the rest. This is not to say that the dust collector can not/should not be used with the jointer, shaper, drill press, etc. I just don't.

I use a wet/dry vac and found the 2 filter method works for me.

I have 2 washable filters 1 "Clean" and 1 "in use"
When the one "In-Use" gets clogged, I switch to the "clean" one.
When i get a chance I clean out the removed filter and make it the "clean" filter it will be ready for swap when it's dry. When it gets to the point that cleaning does no good, then replace it with a new one. This way you always have a clean filter ready for use. It never fails, the vac filter gets clogged with nasty when you need it the most.

When designing my new shop I placed the DC3300 in the center of my shop. My various tools are arranged in a circle around it and on two walls across the isle from the circle. I have found that arrangement greatly increased the volume of particles picked up and with two hoses always connected to it, I find it very simple to move between machines. In fact during the process of building two pieces of furniture in the new shop I discovered I have emptied the dust collector twice as often as before. Conversely the shop vac which is used primarily to clean up areas not serviced by the dust collector and shavings not picked up by the dust collector is emptied far less frequently than before. You read correctly, the dust collector leaves a minimal amount sawdust on the floor and even on machines being used, thus no, it is not perfect. However final shop clean up takes only a small fraction of the time as before I had my current set up. I should add a comment regarding ease of emptying dust collector vs shop vac. Neither are a tidy process however with the dust collector I simply tie the plastic bag shut, insert a new bag and my son hauls off the full bag. The shop vac which was emptied yesterday is a mess that offends my Asthma and requires yet another mess be cleaned up, yuk. Oh did I mention I always seem to need clean clothes and a shower after the shop vac emptying task? Remembering back to when I did not have a working dust collector; well I felt as though the sawdust was taking over. I have no desire to go back to that arrangement. As to comparing efficiency of shop vac to dust collector. It's simple if you enjoy clean up and frequently emptying the shop vac. You don't need to invest in a dust collector. If you would prefer making sawdust to clean up, what are you waiting for, GET ONE!!! One hint for ease of use; buy a remote switch and attach it to the dust collector, then add a second remote controller and position one one the Mark V and the second at another convenient location. I have been playing with where that second controller should live and recently decided to hang it from the ceiling in a spot I frequently walk by during my normal work pattern. Great time saver. Fjimp